Wireless communications device with concealed value

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device has a near field communications transmitter system. The device has an outer chassis that can be sized, dimensioned and decorated to resemble common household items that lack any apparent value. The wireless communication device can also include an indicia that is invisible to an unaided human eye.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/753,538 filed Oct. 31, 2018, and titled “Wireless CommunicationsDevice with Concealed Value,” which is incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to wireless devices, and inparticular, to near field communications devices having a concealmentfeature.

BACKGROUND

Cash and credit cards, while convenient can also have drawbacks. Theirobvious apparent value can result in theft. This is particularly aproblem for the homeless and individuals that reside in shared housing.These individuals have no safe place to store their valuables. Becauseof this, they are required to carry all of their possessions, includingcash, credit cards, and gift cards on their person at all times. Thiscreates a potentially dangerous situation. There is a need in the artfor a new solution that addresses these shortcomings.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a wireless communication device that is capable ofconducting contactless communications and transactions is provided. Thewireless communications device can also include provisions to storeinformation, including information related to an account, a balance, ora value. The device has an outer chassis including an interior cavitythat is sized and dimensioned to retain the near field communicationstransmitter system. The outer chassis can also have an exterior surfacedefining an exterior shape. This exterior shape of the outer chassis canbe generally cylindrical.

In another aspect, the wireless communication device can be sized,dimensioned and decorated to resemble common household items that lackany apparent value.

In another aspect, the wireless communication device includes an outerchassis including an interior cavity that is sized and dimensioned toretain a near field communications transmitter system. The outer chassishas an exterior surface, and the exterior surface includes an indiciathat is invisible to an unaided human eye.

In another aspect, the indicia reflects a wavelength of light in theinfrared spectrum.

In another aspect, the wireless communication device consistsessentially of the near field communications transmitter system and noother electronic components.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a generalized item invarious possible forms;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an item in the form ofa bottle cap;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an item in the form ofa battery;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an item in the form ofa writing implement;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the front view of anitem in the form of a decorative pin;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the rear view of anitem in the form of a decorative pin;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an item in the form ofan eraser;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an item in the form ofa die;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an item in the form ofa condiment packet;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wirelesscommunications device showing both a cross-sectional view and anassembled view;

FIG. 11 is a schematic operational diagram of an embodiment of awireless communications device;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wirelesscommunications device in the form of an eraser;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wirelesscommunications device along with other items;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wirelesscommunications device along with other items seen through eyewear.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Different embodiments of the invention provide a device to give the userthe ability to securely carry and retain accessible funds. Unlike anormal form of payment, like a credit card, a debit card, or cash,various embodiments of the device may not appear to have apparent value.In fact, different embodiments may appear to be common everyday itemsthat lack apparent value. This adds a level of discreetness andprotection for the user. The device can help to reduce theft byconcealing the true value of the device. Some embodiments of the devicemay include provisions for locating the device if it is lost ormisplaced.

The embodiments may use any form of contactless communicationtechnology. Contactless communication technology may include any knownmethod including the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID), nearfield communication (NFC), WiFi, Bluetooth, and other similar wirelessprotocols. In some cases, the device may be configured to providepayment via interaction with an NFC reader or NFC tags programmed withsecured payment information.

Referring to FIG. 1, item 100 can take various different forms that candiffer in shape and size. Generally, item 100 can take the overall formof any desired shape including the basic geometric shapes shown inFIG. 1. Some embodiments of item 100 may take form of flattened cylinder102. Some embodiments of item 100 may take form of parallelepiped 104.Some embodiments of item 100 make take form of rectangular prism 106.Some embodiments of item 100 may take form of elongated cylinder 108.Some embodiments of item 100 may take form of cuboid 110. Someembodiments of item 100 may have a pillow shape 112. And someembodiments of item 100 may take form of sphere 114.

In addition to having an overall geometric shape, some embodiments ofitem 100 can appear similar to common real life objects. This can beaccomplished by modifying, decorating or coloring a geometric shape sothat the item 100 attains a shape and size similar to common everydayitems. In some embodiments, item 100 attempts to mimic real lifeobjects. Preferably, item 100 can be configured to be portable andsmall, so that item 100 can be easily carried by a user.

Referring to FIG. 2, some embodiments of item 100 can take the form ofbottle cap 200. To properly mimic an actual bottle cap, item 100 may besized and configured to resemble an actual bottle cap. Some embodimentsof bottle cap 200 can also be colored or decorated to mimic a realbottle cap.

Referring to FIG. 3, some embodiments of item 100 may be sized andconfigured to resemble commonly available battery 300. Battery 300 mayappear as any standard battery size, including a AA battery, as shown inFIG. 3. However, item 100 may also take the form of different types ofbatteries such as AAA, C, D, or 9 volt. Some embodiments of battery 300may also include markings that may appear similar to those found on acommonly available battery.

Some embodiments of item 100 may take the form of a writing instrument.Referring to FIG. 4, item 100 may be sized and configured to resemble anactual capped pen 400. Although FIG. 4 illustrates capped pen 400, item100 may be configured to resemble other types of writing instruments.

Referring to FIG. 5, item 100 can take the form of a decorative pin 500.Pins come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and styles. Item 100may be sized and configured to resemble any commonly available pin. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5, decorative pin 500 is generally circularwith an image of a cartoon smile printed on the exterior surface. FIG. 6shows the reverse side, of decorative pin 500. Any suitable fastener maybe used. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, decorative pin 500 includesa single pin and retaining hook on exterior surface 600 of the reverseside. The single pin may be used to secure decorative pin 500 to variousarticles including articles of apparel like shirts and jackets, orpersonal items like bags and backpacks.

Referring to FIG. 7, embodiments of item 100 can take the form of eraser700. Item 100 may be sized and configured to resemble an actual eraser.Eraser 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 has a generally prismatic shape butdifferent embodiments of item 100 may take the form of an eraser havinga different shape. Referring to FIG. 8, some embodiments of item 100 cantake the form of die 800. The Die 800 shown in FIG. 8 is a six sideddie. Other embodiments of item 100 may be configured to resembledifferent kinds of die, like a four sided die, an eight sided die, a 20sided die, or any other kind of die.

Referring to FIG. 9, some embodiments of item 100 can take form ofcondiment packet 900. Condiment packet 900 can include provisions thatfurther enhance the ability of condiment packet 900 to resemble anactual condiment packet. In some embodiments, condiment packet 900includes an internal resilient member. The internal resilient member canbe a shaped piece of silicone or other resilient material. This internalresilient material may be contained within an outer cover, and sized andconfigured to resemble an unopened condiment packet.

Preferably, various configurations of item 100, as shown in FIGS. 2-9include provisions that permit near field communication. Any of theembodiments shown in FIGS. 2-9 can include the following wirelesscommunications features, however, for simplicity, one exemplaryembodiment will be disclosed in detail, keeping in mind that thefollowing features can be applied to any embodiment of item 100. In oneexample, bottle cap 200 (see FIG. 2) can include near fieldcommunication transmitter system 1004.

Near field communication transmitter system 1004 can be disposedexternally, internally or in any suitable location with respect to item100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, near field communication system1004 is disposed internally with respect to the external surface ofbottle cap 200. As shown in FIG. 10, bottle cap 200 may include a shell1002. In some embodiments, shell 1002 can be made of material thatincludes metal to more closely resemble an actual bottle cap. In somecases, shell 1002 may be too thin to internally accommodate near fieldcommunication transmitter system 1004. To internally mount near fieldcommunication transmitter system 1004, bottle cap 200 can also includefilling 1006. Filling 1006 generally fills at least a portion ofinterior of shell 1002, and can provide adequate thickness to internallyaccommodate near field communication transmitter system 1004. Filling1006 can be formed of a material that is different than the material ofshell 1002. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, filling 1006 includesthe internal cavity 1008. Preferably, internal cavity 1008 is sized andconfigured to receive and retain near field communication transmittersystem 1004 internally, within its exposed exterior surface.

FIG. 11 is an embodiment of bottle cap 200 in operation. Bottle cap 200preferably includes near field communication transmitter system 1004 andcan be used with a corresponding near field communication receiver 1104.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, bottle cap 200 may be manuallyplaced proximate near field communication reader 1104. Preferably, thematerials and construction in bottle cap 200 permits near fieldcommunication and preferably does not block any of the wireless signalsthat facilitate near field communication. In constructing bottle cap200, materials may be selected that are permeable to wireless signalsand permit near field communications.

FIG. 12 is another embodiment of item 100. Some embodiments can includeprovisions that help item 100 to further mimic real common everydayitems. In some cases, this is accomplished by selecting materials thatare relatively flexible. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, item 100resembles an eraser 1202. For this embodiment, the material for eraser1202 may be selected to provide flexibility. Eraser 1202 includes achassis that is relatively more flexible than near field communicationtransmitter system 1204. Generally, embodiments of near fieldcommunication transmitter system 1204 are constructed of componentsmounted to a circuit board and will be about as flexible as a memorycard, for example, a Secure Digital (SD) card or a micro SD card. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 12, eraser 1202 may be formed of a materialthat is more flexible than a memory card. This means that, assumingsimilar sizes and similar applied loads, eraser 1202 will elasticallydeflect to a greater extent than a memory card like device like nearfield communication transmitter system 1204. The relatively greaterflexibility of eraser 1202 over near field communication transmittersystem 1204 can also be observed in elastic bending, as shown in FIG.12.

FIG. 12 shows eraser 1202 in an initial, non-deflected position 1210.Because eraser 1202 is formed of a relatively flexible material, eraser1202 can deflect or bend under an applied load and attain a deflectedposition 1212. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, eraser 1202experiences elastic deformation in bending and is capable of returningto its initial non-deflected position 1210. However, some embodimentspermit plastic deformation where the item is permanently deformed afteran applied load.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 flexible eraser 1202 containsinternal cavity 1206 that houses near field communication transmittersystem 1204. The cavity is disposed within eraser 1202 and theflexibility of eraser 1202 can also provide protection and some shockresistance for near field communication transmitter system 1204.

Some embodiments can include provisions to securely identify item 100.Generally, an identification mark for item 100 can be either difficultto detect or is invisible to unassisted human vision. In someembodiments, identification mark 1406 can take the form of a reflectiveindicia that reflects wavelengths of light that are undetectable to theunassisted human eye. Any suitable wavelength of light beyond unassistedhuman vision may be used. In some embodiments the indicia can reflectwavelengths of light in the infrared spectrum that would not bedetectable to the naked eye.

FIG. 13 is an example of a number of bottle caps, some of which areconventional, and where one bottle cap is constructed in accordance withprinciples of the current invention and would include a near fieldcommunication transmitter system. FIG. 13 shows first bottle cap 1302,second bottle cap 1304 and third bottle cap 1306. FIG. 13 is a schematicdrawing representing how these three bottle caps would appear tounassisted human vision. Without visual assistance, the three bottlecaps 1302, 1304 and 1306 appear similar.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary view of the three bottle caps using assistedhuman vision. In this embodiment, eyewear 1402 is configured to detectwavelengths of light that are not generally visible to the unassistedhuman eye. In this embodiment, eyewear 1402 is tuned to detectwavelengths of light in the infrared spectrum. Generally, wavelengthsgreater than 700 nanometers, and in some cases greater than 750nanometers may be considered to be a portion of the infrared spectrum.Some embodiments can include a light emitting device 1404 that emitslight having a wavelength that generally corresponds to the lightsensitivity of eyewear 1402.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, first bottle cap 1302 and secondbottle caps 1304 appear unmodified. However, a third bottle cap 1306includes an indicia that is visible when eyewear 1402 is used. Referringto FIG. 13, note that indicia 1406 is not visible when bottle cap 1306is viewed with unassisted human vision. In the embodiment of FIG. 14,indicia 1406 can be configured to reflect wavelengths of light in theinfrared spectrum so that indicia 1406 is not visible under certaincircumstances, but is only visible through the use of specially tunedeyewear 1402.

This identification feature can assist users who have lost or misplaceditem 100. Because of the nature of item 100, an apparently worthlessitem, it would be possible that a misplaced item 100 may be discarded ordisposed by individuals who are unaware of the true value of item 100.This kind of identification feature can help owners of item 100 todistinguish between unique items that include a near field communicationtransmitter system and common every day items with little value. Thisidentification feature can also help users conduct searches for theirunique items without revealing the concealed value of their item tobystanders.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

I claim:
 1. A wireless communication device comprising: a contactlesscommunications system configured to conduct contactless transactions forpayment; the contactless communications system including a memoryconfigured to store payment information, including payment informationrelated to an account, a balance, or a value; an outer chassis includingan interior cavity sized and dimensioned to retain the contactlesscommunications system; the outer chassis having an exterior surfacedefining an exterior shape; wherein the exterior surface is decorated soas to mimic an unopened condiment packet that lacks apparent value;wherein the exterior shape of the outer chassis is sized and configuredso as to be similar in size and shape to the unopened condiment packet;and wherein a material forming the exterior surface of the outer chassisis made to resemble the unopened condiment packet.
 2. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 1, wherein the material formingthe exterior surface of the outer chassis is made of at least one of ametallic or non-metallic material.
 3. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising an internal resilient memberdisposed inside the outer chassis.
 4. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein the internal resilient member is a shapedpiece of silicone.
 5. The wireless communication device according toclaim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is non-functional foran intended purpose of the unopened condiment packet which it mimics. 6.The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein thecontactless communications system includes a near field communicationstransmitter and a near field communications antenna.
 7. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 1, wherein the outer chassis isa flexible outer cover.
 8. The wireless communication device accordingto claim 1, wherein the outer chassis is more flexible than thecontactless communications system.
 9. A wireless communication devicecomprising: an outer chassis including an interior cavity sized anddimensioned to retain a near field communications transmitter systemconfigured to conduct contactless transactions for payment; the nearfield communications transmitter system including a near fieldcommunication device and a near field communication antenna; the outerchassis having an exterior surface defining an exterior shape; whereinthe exterior surface is decorated so as to mimic an unopened condimentpacket that lacks apparent value; wherein the exterior shape of theouter chassis is sized and configured so as to be similar in size andshape to the unopened condiment packet; and wherein the exterior surfaceof the outer chassis includes an indicia that is invisible to an unaidedhuman eye.
 10. The wireless communication device according to claim 9,wherein the indicia reflects a wavelength of light greater than 750nanometers.
 11. The wireless communication device according to claim 9,wherein the indicia reflects a wavelength of light in the infraredspectrum.
 12. The wireless communication device according to claim 9,wherein the indicia is configured to distinguish the wirelesscommunication device from one or more objects that lack apparent valuehaving a similar size, shape, and decoration as the unopened condimentpacket.
 13. The wireless communication device according to claim 9,wherein the outer chassis is made of a material selected to resemble amaterial of the unopened condiment packet.
 14. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 9, wherein the outer chassisconsists essentially of the near field communications transmitter systemand no other electronic components.
 15. A wireless communication devicecomprising: an outer chassis having an exterior surface defining anexterior shape; the outer chassis further including an interior cavitysized and dimensioned to retain a near field communications transmittersystem configured to conduct contactless transactions for payment;wherein the near field communications transmitter system is disposedwithin the exterior surface of the outer chassis so that the near fieldcommunications transmitter system is not exposed; the near fieldcommunications transmitter system including a near field communicationdevice and a near field communication antenna; wherein the exteriorsurface is decorated so as to mimic an unopened condiment packet thatlacks apparent value; wherein the exterior shape of the outer chassis issized and configured so as to be similar in size and shape to theunopened condiment packet; and wherein the outer chassis consistsessentially of the near field communications transmitter system and noother communications components.
 16. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the exterior shape of the outer chassishas a generally flattened cylindrical shape.
 17. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 15, further comprising aninternal resilient member disposed inside the outer chassis.
 18. Thewireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein the outerchassis is more flexible than the near field communications transmittersystem.
 19. The wireless communication device according to claim 18,wherein the exterior surface of the outer chassis includes an indiciathat is invisible to an unaided human eye.
 20. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 19, wherein the indicia reflectsa wavelength of light in the infrared spectrum.